Step inside 20+ Richmond venues free for Open House Festival
10 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
One of London's most popular annual events returns next week, and Richmond upon Thames is well represented. Open House Festival runs from Friday, 12 September to Saturday, 20 September, with more than 20 venues across the borough throwing open their doors for free — no ticket required.
The festival is a rare chance to get behind the facades of buildings that are usually off-limits or easy to walk past without a second glance. Expect a mix of historic landmarks, architectural curiosities and natural spaces, each offering a window into the borough's history, creativity and environment.
Exact venues and opening times are listed on the official festival programme, so it's worth checking in advance to plan your route and avoid disappointment — some buildings operate timed entry or have limited capacity. The full Richmond programme is available through the council's event page.
Whether you're interested in architecture, local history or simply curious about what lies behind a grand door on your daily commute, this is a genuinely free and low-effort way to discover the borough differently. Events are spread across the full nine days, so there's flexibility to dip in around work and family commitments. Find out more and plan your visit via the Richmond Council events page.